(Marion) – Saturday’s May 7 Election did not go as planned for members of the Marion ISD Bond Committee.
Voters on Saturday said “no” to a $39.3 million bond issue that would have concentrated on expanding and renovating facilities at the high school campus. Following its last bond issue, the district addressed the needs and wants throughout the rest of its campuses. This particular bond issue was centered around the high school and was designed to prep it for future growth.
A total of 112 votes or 65.6 percent were cast against it while only 49 or 34.5 percent of the votes were in favor of the bond proposal.
Commenting on behalf of the board is Kelly Lindholm, bond committee member and former Marion ISD School Superintendent.
Lindholm, who just stepped down from her post earlier this month, says although it is not what they had hoped for, she is confident that the district will continue to plan for its future.
“Obviously, I am disappointed that the Marion ISD bond did not pass. The district has been on a path to stay ahead of the incredible growth that is occurring in our district. While this sets us back, I am confident that Dr. Beck and the Board will regroup and determine the next steps needed to refocus our district’s vision,” stated Lindholm
Marion ISD voters also secured three available spots on the school board.
Both Incumbents “Kevin” Bubba Kunde and current Board President J.C. Batey were the top two vote getters for a three-year term on the Marion ISD Board of Trustees. Both defeated newcomer Joanna Randolph. Kunde led the pack with 460 votes followed by Batey with 250 and Randolph with 218 votes.
Lone candidate Ryan Zwicke also picked up a one-year term available on the school board.
The Marion ISD was only one of several local races that were included on the Texas Constitutional Amendment ballot.
Thanks to voters statewide, officials say Texas homeowners should see a little relief after the passage of a pair of property tax relief programs on Saturday. One proposition was aimed at older and disabled Texans, while the other provided modest relief across the board. This comes as home values in the state’s metropolitan areas have jumped by double digits.
Voters will again head to the polls on Tuesday, May 24 for the Joint Primary Runoff Election. Among the locally featured races will be the Republican nomination for Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct. 4. Early voting for that election begins on Monday, May 16.